Victorian learner drivers could get their P plates at 17 if Liberals win State Election

The Victorian Liberals have outlined plans to allow learner drivers to get their probationary licence at 17 years-old rather than 18 if the party wins tomorrow's State Election.

Liberal leader Matthew Guy made the promise on Thursday night, just two days before Victorians go to the polls to cast their votes.

According to the Party, lowering the probationary driving age would reduce the impact of isolation and disadvantage for those living in regional areas where there is a need to travel long distances, and where there is a lack of public transport services available.

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Guy said the plan would help get more young people in work.

“We trust young Victorians to make the right decisions on the road,” the leader said.

“This simple, common-sense change will mean Victorians are no longer at a disadvantage to other states, and bring us in line with the rest of the country.”

The move would put Victoria in line with other states and territories nationally because it is the only jurisdiction in Australia that still requires probationary drivers licence holders to be aged 18 or over.

In South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales, the ACT, Tasmania and Queensland the age for applying for your Ps is already 17.

While in the Northern Territory you can apply for a probationary licence at 16 provided you've held a learner licence for at least six months and met the other requirements.

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Despite the difference in age requirements, road incident data doesn’t indicate that Victorian drivers are safer than in other states, a statement from the Liberals said.

Shadow Minister for Police, Brad Battin, said younger drivers could be moulded to become better and safer drivers.

“This rule has held back too many young Victorians for too long, especially those living along the border,” he said.

“Our plan to provide simulation driver training to students will produce better, safer drivers on our roads earlier.

“By lowering the driving age, we are opening up a world of work and study opportunities for 17-year-olds.”

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However, the Victorian Labour Party took to Twitter to rubbish the plans, posting a picture of a crashed car with the caption: 'Matthew Guy’s Liberals want to lower the driving age. Their last Shadow Minister for Road Safety was Tim Smith.'

The former Member for Kew resigned as shadow attorney-general last year after his vehicle hit a car and then the wall of a home in Melbourne's inner east.